Day 17 – The Power of Women Walking Together

Today’s 6km Happiness Walk took place in Point Pleasant Park, in Nova Scotia’s capital city of Halifax. It was another one of those meaningful walks which will remain a core memory for me in years to come. Today, I was joined by two of my aunts, along with my mom, dad, and sister. Sharing this journey with them reminded me of something powerful: the importance of women supporting women, and how role models don’t always have to be famous activists or global leaders, they can be the people walking right beside you.

My aunts are both strong, kind, and wise women who have always been there for me in different ways. They’ve cheered me on, given advice, and shown me how to live with strength, compassion, kindness, and humour. As we walked together today, I couldn’t help but think of how much I’ve learned just from having their support and friendship as I grew up. It made me think about the women in Tanzania who are working to be role models for other women in their own communities, many of them just by doing what they can with what they have.

In Tanzania, women are usually the ones responsible for collecting water for their families; it’s not a choice, it’s a necessity. Through projects like this one, if I reach my goal of raising enough money to purchase a Nanofilter Water Centre, I’ll be helping to empower women to become trained entrepreneurs. The women working with the NanoFilter Company are running their own clean water kiosks, earning a sustainable income, lifting their families out of poverty, and becoming leaders and health educators in their villages. Just like my aunts have helped guide me, these women are now guiding their daughters, nieces, and neighbors toward healthier, more empowered futures.

While today’s walk highlighted the strength and support of the women in my life, it also reminded me of the crucial role men play in achieving gender equality. My dad, who walked beside us today, has always been a steadfast supporter of all the women in our family. Men like my dad show that gender equality is not just a women’s issue; it’s a human issue. When men stand with women, advocating for their rights and supporting their ambitions, it creates a ripple effect that benefits entire communities.

What I realized today is that change doesn’t only happen on a global scale. It starts with conversations on park benches, quiet encouragement, and walks like this one. Each of us can make a difference. When women and families support one another, whether in Halifax or in Tanzania, beautiful things happen.

Today’s walk wasn’t just a walk, but it was also a reminder that I’m never walking alone. I’m surrounded by women and family who care about me and my future, and I hope that through this project I can give that same support to women and girls across the world.

Thank you for following along with me on Day 17 – I can’t believe I’m down to the final few days of the Happiness Run for Clean Water and Gender Equality. Through your generous donations, you support not only my initiative, but are also supporting the futures of women, children, and sustainable communities in Tanzania.

Here’s to a world where we achieve gender equality and every girl grows up with strong women (and men) supporting and walking beside her.